How Vitamin B12 Calms ADHD

In this report you will learn about the scientifically proven benefits of Vitamin B12 and how it can help eliminate many of you ADD-ADHD symptoms.

Just the other night, Karen was conferred with theÂ ‘Best Employee of the Year’ award. Her colleagues were surprised. Karen does not share a good equation with her colleagues. She gets irritated at the slightest pretext and often throws tantrums in the office. Her colleagues remark that the word ‘calmness’ is missing from Karen’s lexicon.Â They also say that she is never able to concentrate on a single task and keeps fleeting from one task to the other.

Karen suffers from ADD-ADHD [[Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity], a fact that is not known to her colleagues. ADD-ADHD is a neurological ailment. Patients afflicted with ADD-ADHD often display a sense of apathy towards their immediate surroundings. They suffer from low levels of concentration and find it difficult to remain associated with a particular task from start to finish. ADD-ADHD sufferers also get distracted quite often and tend to have a poor memory. They are prone to sudden bouts of anger and hence find it difficult to have a normal relationship at work or in personal life. At times, they can get engaged in a self-destructive behavior.

Medical practitioners have for a long time been using Ritalin and Adderall to treat patients suffering from ADD-ADHD. An estimate shows that in the year 1996, more than 1.5 million school going kids in the US were being administered with Ritalin.Â However, recent medical research has revealed that Ritalin can cause a lot of undesirable effects in human beings. It is known to cause nervousness, drug addiction, hair loss and convulsions.Â In certain cases Ritalin can also lead to the death of the patient.

The ill effects associated with Ritalin have forced researchers to look for alternative cure. Many researchers believe that vitamins hold the key to providing a safer cure for ADD-ADHD sufferers. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry advocates the use of liberal doses of vitamins to reduce the symptoms associated with ADD-ADHD.Â Â The same story is repeated with Adderall, which contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Amphetamine has been associated with many side effects such as drug dependence, heart palpitations, diarrhea, constipation, impotence, insomnia etc.

Now, you will be wondering as to how vitamins can help in the alleviation of ADD-ADHD symptoms….

Vitamins play a vital role in the production of energy packets in the brain cell. The lack of sufficient quantities of vitamins can hamper the production of energy. Lack of energy can prevent the brain from dispensing its responsibilities properly and that might trigger the onset of ADD-ADHD.

Among the many vitamins required for the proper functioning of the brain, Vitamin B12 perhaps is counted amongst one of the most important vitamins of all.Â In the opinion Dr. Elson M. Haas, the deficiency of Vitamin B12 can cause an irreversible damage to the brain and the neurological system.

B12 or rather methyl-B12 a form of Vitamin B12 plays a pivotal role in the production of myelin, a protective sheath round the neurons. We all are aware of the fact that the entire neurological system is exposed to wide range of chemicals such as lead and mercury, which enter our body via food or the polluted air that is available for breathing in the 21st century. These chemicals can cause an irreparable damage to the brain and prevent its proper functioning. Methyl-B12 helps in the regeneration of the neurons as well as the production of myelin.

According to Dr. Arturo M. Volpe, “I have been recommending a form of vitamin B12 called methyl-B12 for children with autism and ADHD. Methyl B12 has been shown to protect neurons from glutamate toxicity. Glutamate is a natural neurotransmitter found in food that is also made in the brain and is essential for normal brain function. A healthy brain closely regulates how much glutamate can be present at any time because too much of it causes hyper-excitability and eventually leads to brain cell death. Researchers have shown that exposure to mercury or other toxins cause the brain to lose its ability to regulate glutamate levels. What happens next is that as glutamate is absorbed from food and made in the brain its levels skyrocket and cause widespread damage, ultimately leading to a broad range of brain disorders.”

Deficiency of Vitamin B12 can also cause depression and tiredness, two common symptoms associated with ADD-ADHD sufferers.

A proper intake of Vitamin B12 can regulate the production of adenosyl-methionine, a type of amino acid. In the opinion of Dr. Richard A. Kunin, adenosyl-methionine can prove a vital factor that can alleviate the patient’s mood and mental sharpness. Dr. Kunin states that Vitamin B12 joins hands with Folic acid to ensure the optimum production of adenosyl-methionine.

Research carried out by John Lindenbaum, M.D., of New York’s Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, does prove that deficiency of Vitamin B12 can cause neurological problems as well as the feeling of tiredness.Â Studies have also revealed that a proper intake of Vitamin B12 is essential to gain control over symptoms such as delusions, memory loss, depression, difficulty in thinking etc.

Sufficient quantities of Vitamin B 12 also ensures a proper synthesis of S-adenosyl-methionine [SAMe] a amino acid that is known to promote concentration, a feeling of well-being, and alertness. Talking about Vitamin B12, Ray Sahelian states that, “the synthesis of SAMe is intimately linked with folate and Vitamin B12 metabolism, and deficiencies of both these vitamins have been found to reduce central nervous system SAMe concentrations. Both folate and Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause similar neurological and psychiatric disturbances including depression, dementia, and peripheral neuropathy.”

Vitamin B12 has thus proved to be a vital ally in the fight against ADD-ADHD. Doctors feel that Vitamin B12 can provide a safer alternative treatment to Karen and scores of people like her.

37 Responses to How Vitamin B12 Calms ADHD

I was diagnosed with ADD about six months ago and was given Ritalin. It turned me into a maniac – angry, irritable, and very edgy. No one could stand to be aorund me. I tried Vitamin B12 as you suggest, and the change has been astounding. Although my doctor does not agree with it, I have discontinued the Ritalin and will be pursuing other vitamin therapy in addition to my B12. I have my personality back!

I just went to my sons pediatrician yesterday and she gave us Concerta. After getting home and reading for hours I never gave him the pills and will not at all. He is 7 and ADHD. Some days are better than others so I am not convinced it is ADHD. I requested a blood test and the doctor gave me a bunch of reasons why there was no link etc… I want to know how much of the fish oil, vitamins, supplements I can give safely. There is some positive and negative feedback about these vitamins, remedies, and diets so I just want to be sure I make the right choice. Thoughts??? Today we started with a high protein diet eggs, turkey bacon, whole wheat toast and chocolate soymilk and the day is going well.

Hi Rachel,
I feel the same way as you and I also have a son who is now 7. I have been watching what he eats for the last few weeks and have noticed an incredible change (most days) by avoiding food with salisylates and got an allergy test done. Do a search on websites for Food Intolerance, Sue Dengate’s Fed up book was a great help too. Anything to avoid drugs is worth a try.

Rachel i listened to my doctor for a few years and had my son on Ritalin and concerta and all he could do for me was keep increasing his meds. I took him off all the meds and have been on fish oil tabs since. new boy, great person who doesnt always get into trouble at school.

Hi Rachel, There is a liquid multivitamin that you may be interested in it is called Kids calm multi by peter Gillham and has alot of the vitamin, minerals, and amino acids that they suggest for ADD all in one and it;s for kids. I hope you check it out online. If you would like to talk please email me carols2ndbaby@hotmail.com. I have been helping my son naturally for almost 3 years now and I am still learning as much as I can to help my son. Hope to hear from you, Carol

hi caorl my name is brandy and my 6yr old has been diagnoise with adhd and i was reading your post and was wondering could u email me with any imformation that can help me it will be greatly appreciated my email add is mccreebrandy@gmail.com

It is important to go to a doctor that knows about ADHD. Pediatricians are not experts on this. Diet is important but medications help. I am living breathing proof. I’m 49 years old and have been taking meds for ADHD since I was 33 years old.

Just need to tell you, from experience… Kathieg2004, my little boy, still a little boy trapped in a preteen body of twelve years old, has had so many – many medications for his adhd. They started him on Adderall at three til fiveÂ – side effects (cranky moods), Ritalin … StratteraÂ – side effects (heart problems, suicidal idealogies etc, etc, etc,).

We were patients (prior to moving) of the God of Ped. Neuro. so I know we were doing something right when we kept adjusting, changing, switching, adjusting! UGH. Poor child, we were even thrown out of a “Christian” privateÂ school after two weeks. They said that he just couldn’t be taught!

The problem here is we are so desparate to help our children, we reach out to a medical professional and whamo… we get 1001 reasons to medicate our child. It seems strange to me that most of the children mentioned above in comments have been at the age of 6-7 now, correct me if I am mistaken but isn’t 6-7 the age they start school?

Could it be the teachers inability to cope with the large classroom full of boy personalities? or girls? It just amazes me. I took my child out of school for a varied degree of reasons… one is the insistance on upping doses or finding a new med. UGH!

My thoughts are scattered right now, perhaps I have ADD or ADHD? Or perhaps I am just overwhelmed at the way we choose to medicate our children (myself included) rather than finding that niche or that right vitamin combination that they might have a deficit in. Perhaps something they are watching or learning from that electronic babysitter … ?

Whichever – my goal is to find the right combination while attempting to train myself a bit more each moment of a meltdown he goes through. Does anyone know the right amount of B12 I should be giving him, he is about 120lbs and 12 years old. Thanks, InnerSpirit

Hi my name Cornelia my daughter have ADHD I want know what b12 to give to her what does it have to say on the bottle how many pill to give her in a day she is 14 she weight 105 pound she use to take adderall

My 11 year old was on ritalin a year old for about 4 years. It was terrible trying to get him to take medation. It made him sick to his stomach and often complained of stomach pain. The teachers are telling me now, he has trouble pay attention in class. He often day dreams. He even says he does. I don’t want to do the meds again or does he. Are there any side affects to the vitatims?

Hi Emma – Maybe it was the wrong medication. I have ADHD and I can not take ritalin. I tried a number of medications until I found ones that works well for me. We are all different. What works for one person does not work for another. I currently take Straterra and a small dose of Adderall (5 mg). What a difference it has made to my life. It was like putting on a fresh pair of glasses. My world came into focus. How different my life would have been if I had medication when I was younger.

Hi Kathie2004, you mentioned being diagnosed at 33 and how the meds have helped you tremendously. The issue with young children is that what works for adults, does not work as well (or at all) for children– especially young children with developing brains. The medical “world” prescribes to children drugs that were designed for adults. Could be why so many parents are experiencing problems and having to switch to something else every few years. A good documentary about this issue (as it affects children) is “The Medicated Child” (watch it here http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/medicatedchild/)

Another great documentary (watch on Netflix if you have it) is Food Matters. It discusses how important diet and nutrition is to maintaining healthy, balanced bodies, but also talks about how vitamin therapy (vitamins given in megadoses) is frowned upon in the medical community though it is generally safer than drugs when one tallies up deaths caused by proper prescription use and deaths causes by vitamin overdoses etc. Here is the link for anyone who might be interested.http://www.foodmatters.tv/_webapp/view%20film%20online

My son is 6, his assistant principal recommended me to take him to his pediatrician due to his behavior (over hyper) a person informed me they had the same problem when they were little, the doc. suggested ritalin, but her mom said NO, she took her to a homeopathic doctor and they told her about b12. She said it worked wonders and she has been taking it ever since. I give my son a little chewable one every morning (taste like cherries) and the marks in his folder have decreased dramatically!

i too was informed of b12 for my 3 yr old son, we started it today. with all the wonderful stories here, i feel it is the right choice. does anyone know about how long it takes before u see the changes?

Most people tell me they see a difference within a couple of weeks. If you go over a month and don’t see any improvement, try a slightly different approach. You will find the right combination after some basic trial and error, best of luck to you!

I’ve been on therapeutic doses of B12 for a slight anemia, but began to realize after a short while that my mind wasn’t getting so easily distracted during the day, and I was staying on task much better than before. Frankly, I had no idea that B12 deficiency was associated with hyperactivity in the brain, but Googled to see if there was a link, and here I am. I’m convinced now. Adding this supplement to my diet has certainly settled my hyperactive brain!

My granddaughter is almost seven years old and has been on Concerta for about three years. She has a hard time stayibg on task and sharing with classmates. After reading the article and comments I am going to start her on b12. She weighs 34 lbs. What dosage should I sart her on?

Reading your thoughts i had my son on concerta and he was horribly underweight but still having issues at school and all my paediatrician wanted to do was increase his meds…..so i took him off altogther and use fish oil tabs. Beware that these tabs are very dangerous and i am much more careful about what i give my children…
i have learnt to listen to my instincts and not just what a professional tells me.
Hope your grandchild is doing well.

It is almost the end of the school year- my son just had his medication changed from Vyvanse to Aderall. While I completely hate medication in any form, I do not feel I can take my son off of meds to experiment the last three weeks of school. I need to know if I can go ahead and start this process with B12 and diet while he is on his meds. I plan to removed the medication day one of summer and go full bore. I just need to know if it is okay to do the vitamins now.

You donot want your son on adderall. Adderall is methamphtemine with an enantiomeric excess of the anxiety promoting enantiomer. it is a neurotoxic stimulant and enhances production of dopamine and noepinephrine. Tolerance develops quickly and the dose needs to be upped as teh body lowers its natural production of these two neurotransmitters. Without it, there will be extreme withdrawal and crashes at teh end of the day when the dose wears off. it is chemically identical to speed.

My son is 12 years old and has been on Ritalin for some time, slow and immediate release each day. He has had accompanying vitamin supplementation as well. What we are seeing more frequently are erratic temper outbursts and unsportsmanlike behaviour when playing pressure sports like football or hockey, but certainly infrequently. What would be a good regimen for a child 5’4″ and 108 pounds?

Wow! How many people seems to beÂ havin the sameÂ problems that IÂ have with my 12 old year boy. His behavior is sometimes from happiness to an angry mood. I have tried many pills, likeÂ Focalin,Â Metadate, Risperdal, Lamictal, among many others.Â His life has been like a rollercoster.Â Sometimes up, sometimes down. It’s too hard to live depending on a pill to define one’s personality. He also have an epileptic condition. There are too may questions without answers at this time. What would be the correct dose of B12 for a 93 poundÂ boy?Â

my son is 11yrs old he was dig first with adhd which in my opinion this doc. only saw black and white if i listen to her everyone i know would have adhd. then i was told he has add slight adhd,ok that i can agree. i am absolutly against medicating my son. i truely believe it takes away their ceativity, and dulls the life out of them. my son is very creative and funny, and has such a spark in his eyes. he cares about people and is very loving. i would never take a chance to chang anything about my child. i am looking into the B12 im waiting for the results of is asst. to let his doc. see it so he can dose him. i hope to Godit works. he is his own worst enemy.he thinks he is stupid,he is far from!!!!!

Hello everyone,
As an adult with adhd and I have a 12yr old child with adhd as well. Please know that adhd drugs are not a cure they just remove the fog, most of the frustration and help you harness the focus! You still have to put in the work to learn positive life skills!
We have both added a Bcomplex vit, omega 3 and vit d3 as well, I can say honestly that adding these to medication as well as therapy and support groups has done wonders!
Children need to b taught how to manage their own adhd symptoms, learning about it and understanding it are key to understanding yourself!
You wouldn’t deny a diabetic treatment or try to manage it through diet alone, no thats rediculous so why deny your child the chance to try a medication? If its not working or your child doesn’t want to take it, it is probably not working try a different one! My son tried 6 different meds before he found the one that worked for him and he was only 7, he was able to tell me when it was the right one! He is now 12 and takes it every morning on his own because he knows it helps!

As an adhd adult I only wish my parents knew then what I know now, my life would probably have made so much more sense and would have had less failure and struggles as a child!

Good luck ultimately u have to do whats right! Remember if your child doesn’t like a med or acts worse on it its probably the wrong one!

Message: Methylcobalamin nasal can cure MS, and a lot of other things.

I find any B-12 a miracle Vitamin, and have used both type to destroy the Flu & Cold viruses. http://www.popsci.com/node/22953 The most effective way is Nasal, but the secret is the strength. The Element in B-12 is Cobalt, Both type B-12s have about 5% Cobalt in the center of their structure’s.

When you take it by mouth, You have hydrocloric Acid in your stomach, and this can destroy the B-12, as Acids attack heavy metals. When you snort it up your nose, it goes directly into the Blood stream.

To make your own nasal B-12, what I do is order from Puritan Pride and get there B-12 Methylcobalamin 5000mcg 30 tablets, drop 8 tablets in a 1oz nose dropper bottle, fill half full of water, shake it up, and put it in the refrigerator,when I need it, I just shake it up and put 1/2 dropper down each nostril for Flu,Cold, sinusitis, almost really anything in the respiratory area, and WOW! B-12 takes care of it,in 2 or 3 hours.

I also feel that Nasal B-12 with Methylcobalamin can Cure MS, Why, because B-12 lubricates the mylin sheathes which cover your nerves, as you get older they start to deteriate and dry out and the nerves can even start to break off. MS is caused by the deterioration of the mylin sheaths.